IBT is involved in a number of international media initiatives. The Africa Commission recognised that the media can play a significant role as a tool for development. With our experience of lobbying for public service broadcasting and our work with mainstream development agencies, we have been able to
make an important contribution to this process.

In August 2006, we worked with the UN agency UPEACE and the Nation Media Group in Kenya, to organise a major conference in Nairobi with the theme of strengthening Africa´s news media. This unique event brought together more than a hundred journalists from television, radio, print and new media from more than 20 different African nations. Also present were parliamentarians, media development specialists and representatives from international NGOs. This diverse mix made for a stimulating event which ended with a series of recommendations for strengthening the media in the future.

The conference (see report pdf ) also contributed to two other African initiatives, the African Media Development Initiative (AMDI) and Strengthening Africa´s Media (STREAM). Both AMDI and STREAM received funding from the Department for International Development and have now reported, recommending a stronger international commitment to funding and developing the media in Africa.

IBT has become involved in these initiatives because they will have a significant impact on the work of many of our members. Our aim is to help to strengthen pro-poor broadcasting in Africa and to work with grassroots media development agencies such as MISA, Panos, Femnet, Econews, AMARC, Internews, Soul City and others who are already active in this field. We´re also keen to encourage our members to think strategically about the role the media can play in their development work.